MG Sports Cars

Just a reminder we will have a work session in Jonesville, NC for RM in two weeks

Sent from southern Oregon, having some grandson fun

coming up soon

10 am Monday 3-21-16 a Roadmaster MG work session

134 Bluff st Jonesville, NC

Ken Nicks shop Eclectic Rods & Restorations

hope to see you there

surge tank recently redesigned by Jim Blackwood, is now back in the RM.
just a few of the tasks completed at Ken's this winter:

exhaust leaks welded

tires, battery replaced

all fluids checked and or changed, lubed

Coolant temp steady at 190 F at idle or at 75 MPH no rise in temp in stop & go after a 45 minute high speed drive ambient temp 54F.

So what is the schedule? I know Dan Masters and Jim Watson are going to be picking up the car soon and it should be at Townsend, then they are taking it to Louisville for MG 2016 right? Then what? Where does it go after that?

I asked to take the car at that point but nobody ever responded.

Look, I know there is a big push to sell it. Maybe some of you guys have come up with a buyer. I know Steve DeGroat had an offer several years ago for around $15K. But please keep in mind that Tony Gentile just invested $42,500 in Greg Beishir's car. If it sells this cheap, I would not be surprised to see it on BAT or Ebay a week later for 3 or 4 times the money. This car would probably do well at the Barrett Jackson auction because it has a history.

But that's not the question, just a mindful caution. Every time you get in a hurry it costs you. What I'd really like to know is, what is the touring schedule for the summer? Should I make plans for garage space or not? I intend to reorganize the Lab and it would really help to know.

Jim

Quote:

So what is the schedule? I know Dan Masters and Jim Watson are going to be picking up the car soon and it should be at Townsend, then they are taking it to Louisville for MG 2016 right? Then what? Where does it go after that?

Jim and I are picking it up on the 16th. We will take it to the Street Rod show in Knoxville may 6, then to the V8 meet May 8-11, and then to the local Car Gathering may 13-15. After that, Jim will be driving it to Louisville for MG2016 and leaving it there for the next person. While i't's here, we'll be taking to the local Friday night Cruise-ins.

I don't know what happens after that, but if you want it at that time then it's a settled matter as far as I am concerned - you should have it.

The Roadmaster really needs to be in Louisville for the entirety of MG2016 to give it exposure to as many enthusiasts as possible.

Let's talk about this.

Makes sense to me.

I was really only planning to go down on the 16th but I'm only an hour and a half away so it's no big deal.

Jim

Jim and Dan successfully drove RM from the car show in Dobson, NC to TN yesterday, April 16, 2016.
You guys let me know if I can help with any one way shuttle trips.
Brenda & I are fortunate that even after the merger/aquizition of USAir and American we still have stand priviledges.
So I am willing to help with transporting RM when my schedule and the weather are in favorable sync.


I hope siri and auto correct get the grammar & spelling all sorted

Thank you, PJ!

The car is home in Maryville. We topped up the tank shortly after leaving the show and topped up again after 109 miles with 4.5 gallons. That was all interstate driving at a steady 65 mph following a Toyota on cruise control. That's 24.2 mpg if anyone is counting..

After I got off the interstate headed for home, I got a little, how should I say - exuberant? and ran into the fuel pump starvation problem PJ talked about. The new fuel pump should solve that.

The steering problem MUST be solved, once we find out what the real problem is. Jim and I are certain it's not the steering column, but we'll report back when we learn more.

The car does get attention!

On the 6th, the RM will go to the National Street Rod show in Knoxville. On the 8th through the 11th it will be at the V8 meet, and on the 14th, it will be at the local British Car Gathering, both in Townsend.

re: On the 6th, the RM will go to the National Street Rod show in Knoxville. On the 8th through the 11th it will be at the V8 meet, and on the 14th, it will be at the local British Car Gathering, both in Townsend.


Who is bringing the car to Louisville?

I hope it will be there for the entire event (June 13th-16th)

As it stands right now, Jim Watson will be taking it to Louisville. It is my understanding that Jim Blackwood will take it from there, but that's not confirmed as far as I know.

At the Street Rod Nationals in Knoxville today.






Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/06/2016 10:12PM by danmas.

Is that "The Potato" beside "the Roadmaster? I like Russett.

Quote:

Is that "The Potato" beside "the Roadmaster? I like Russett.

It is indeed.

PO-TA-TO

Reminds me I was supposed to get another decal.

I just got back from the Buick GS Nationals in Bowling Green, KY. We went down yesterday evening (Friday) and checked into the host motel (Red Roof Inn) at about 8:00 local and the MG-Roadmaster was instantly mobbed, an occurrence that continued for the duration every time we parked it. They heard us rolling into the parking lot and had to know what was up, so we no sooner were out of the car than the hood was up and Matthew and I were answering questions as fast as we could field them, while Edith (piloting the "Buick Support Vehicle" Jeep Liberty) went and registered the room. This went on, with people coming and going up until we made our getaway pleading a need for food. Edith said it was like watching the crowd around a beautiful woman.

This morning we drove to the dragstrip (Beech Bend Raceway Park) and although the day's racing got rained out, for us it was more of the same. The car got all the attention. The Buick guys absolutely loved it. To a man they all recognized the "Star Wars" air cleaner, and would say things like, "...that can't be... is it?" followed by, NO WAY! Holy S***! I was expecting a V6 (or a small block). They universally approved of the quality of the conversion, were very curious about the ignition system, and wanted to know the details about the vehicle weight and how it handles.

A much larger proportion of them stood and read the graphics on the car than we've seen at any ot the other gatherings. Sometimes even in the rain. They were very welcoming and approving, most especially once they found out that a Buick engine had been a factory option for the car. (MGBGT-V8)

Guys, I think we could show up at this meet any year with a few BOPR converted cars and be right at home with this group. They were as friendly as anyone could ever hope for.

Now as for the car: It performed flawlessly on the trip down and back, some 375 miles or so, getting about 18-19 mpg. With me driving it that's pretty good. I noted a few fairly minor issues to address but not many. Overall the car is pleasant to drive, although it runs quieter about 70-75 mph than it does around 50-60. I'd say shakedown on the electric power steering and the new fuel delivery system is complete. The steering needs a second or so to initialize after starting the car before you go cutting the wheel, and the bypass regulator makes a strange little gurgling noise that I was hoping was just air but it hasn't gone away so I guess we are stuck with it. The tach has failed (OEM) and still registers but not anywhere near correctly so it should be replaced. Speedo needle bounces but is readable and accurate (a new stock MGB inner cable should fix that), Gas gage works fine but should not be run below 1/8 tank under any conditions. Temp stays rock steady on the "N", Oil pressure and voltage are well within range. Throttle is light, clutch is a little stiff, brakes are quite firm, shifter is light and positive but needs a double clutch to downshift into 3rd, Steering is light and positive with good isolation and suitable road feel. Seats are comfortable, seat belts are not, and the cowl vent, if left open driving in the rain will drip on your foot.

The handling is dead neutral but trailing throttle oversteer and a little squirreliness when hard on the brakes should be helped by adding a front swaybar. We have everything to do that except a pair of CB downlinks, it'd be nice to get that done before Townsend if somebody has those parts and could send them along.

I'd love to attach some photos. Unfortunately I was kept so busy answering questions that I didn't get any chance to take some. Next time maybe.

Jim

Great summary, Jim!

Went to the WVBCC picnic Saturday, Dan and I took a bunch of guys for a ride/drive around the park, all were suitably impressed. They seem pretty committed to taking part in the BritishV8 meet in Lewisburg next summer. Should make some really good guides.

On Sunday we took in the Pumpkin Parade.